Many cat owners have wondered: do cats enjoy music, or is it just noise to them? Cats have sensitive ears and can certainly hear sounds that humans cannot, but it is not obvious if they like music in the way people do. Researchers and animal behavior experts have started to study this question. Interestingly, studies suggest that while cats often seem to ignore ordinary human music, they can respond positively to music that is specially designed for feline ears. In this article, we will explore what science knows about cats and music. We will look at whether cats recognize music, what kinds of sounds they prefer, how special “cat music” is different from human music, and why some cats relax or get anxious when music is playing. We will also share examples of music made just for cats and tips on using music to help your cat feel calm.
Can Cats Hear and Recognize Music?
Cats have excellent hearing. In fact, they hear a much wider range of frequencies than humans do. A healthy human ear hears frequencies roughly from 20 Hz up to 20,000 Hz (20 kHz). Cats, however, can hear sounds up to around 64,000 Hz – more than three times higher than the upper range of our hearing. This means a lot of the high-pitched sounds that cats hear are sounds we do not notice. Cats evolved this sensitive hearing to detect the tiny squeaks of rodents or the high chirps of birds. They can certainly hear the music we play, but whether they recognize it as “music” is another question.
Music created by humans is tuned for human ears and hearts. Human music typically has a beat or tempo comparable to the human heartbeat and uses frequencies our ears process well. To a cat, much of our music might not make sense. The melodies and rhythms we enjoy are unfamiliar to them. It’s possible that cats do not perceive human music as music at all – it might just be a series of sounds. As one scientist put it, animals hear different ranges than we do, so a lot of human music could be irrelevant to them. For example, in one case researchers found that rats ignored most of a Mozart piece, likely because it contained many tones below 4,000 Hz, which the rats couldn’t really hear. Similarly, cats might simply not react to music that is outside their natural hearing focus or doesn’t resemble sounds that have meaning to them.
That said, cats are observant creatures. They may notice when music is playing, especially if it is very loud or has sounds that resemble something meaningful (like bird calls or other animal noises). Some cats may sit near a source of music out of curiosity. Others might leave the room if the sounds bother them. At this basic level, cats can hear music, but whether they enjoy it likely depends on how the music aligns with their own communication sounds and comfort.
A cat sits calmly next to a radio playing soft music. Many cats seem indifferent to human music, but their behavior can change if the music includes sounds or rhythms familiar to them.
What Do Scientific Studies Show About Cats and Music?
Scientific interest in feline music preferences is fairly recent. Until a few years ago, most knowledge about animals and music came from anecdotes or studies on other pets like dogs. Now, however, researchers have begun conducting controlled studies to see how cats respond to different kinds of music. Two important studies – one in 2015 and another in 2019 – have shed light on this question.
Cats Prefer “Cat Music” Over Human Music: In 2015, a study published in the journal Applied Animal Behaviour Science tested how cats react to two types of music: regular human music and special “cat music” composed just for cats. The researchers, including animal behaviorist Charles Snowdon and composer David Teie, created cat-specific songs with qualities they thought cats would like. These songs included tones an octave higher than human music (because cats vocalize about an octave above our range) and rhythms based on things like purring or nursing sounds. When they played music for 47 domestic cats, the results were clear: the cats showed a significant preference for the species-appropriate cat music over the human music. In practice, this meant the cats approached the speakers sooner and rubbed against them more when the cat-specific songs were playing, compared to when classical human music was playing. They acted interested and content during the cat music. Younger cats and older cats were especially responsive, while middle-aged cats were a bit less enthusiastic on average. This study suggests that cats can enjoy music, but only if it is designed in a way they instinctively recognize as pleasant.
Music Can Reduce Stress in Cats: In 2019, another study (published in the Journal of Feline Medicine and Surgery) looked at how music might help cats in stressful situations – specifically, during a vet visit. Veterinary exams can be very stressful for cats. Researchers at Louisiana State University led by Dr. Ronald Koh wanted to see if playing music could calm cats during an exam. They tested 20 pet cats by exposing them to one of three sound conditions during routine check-ups: 20 minutes of cat-specific music, classical music, or no music at all. One of the cat-specific tracks used was “Scooter Bere’s Aria,” a song composed by David Teie that includes purring and suckling sounds and is set in a cat’s vocal range (about two octaves higher than the human vocal range). The findings were promising – cats that listened to the cat-specific music had significantly lower stress scores during the exam compared to when they sat in silence or listened to classical human music. The cats on average displayed fewer signs of anxiety (like less yowling or struggling) under the influence of the cat music. Interestingly, in this short vet visit scenario, classical music did not calm the cats as effectively as the cat-tailored music did. The scientists concluded that “cat-specific music may benefit cats by decreasing stress levels and increasing the quality of care in veterinary settings”. In other words, playing the right kind of music could help keep cats calmer, which is better for both the cat and the vet.
It is worth noting that these studies were done in controlled environments and with relatively small samples of cats. As animal behaviorist Daniel Warren-Cummings explains, this is a new area of research and each cat is an individual. Not all cats will react the same way. However, the research so far clearly indicates that cats can respond to music – especially music created with their needs in mind – in ways that suggest enjoyment or at least interest.
What Sounds and Music Do Cats Respond To?
Experiments and observations have given us a better idea of what kinds of sounds are attractive to cats. The music that seems to engage cats often includes elements that mimic their natural communications or comfortable environmental sounds:
- Cat Vocalizations in Music: Songs that incorporate sounds like purring, meowing, or suckling (the sound kittens make when nursing) tend to get a cat’s attention. These sounds are familiar to cats from infancy or daily life, so hearing them in a musical rhythm may be soothing or intriguing. For example, the composer David Teie uses purring as a musical element to create a calming effect, and a fast suckling rhythm to create a gentle pulse in his cat compositions.
- Frequencies that Cats Can Hear Well: As mentioned, cats hear higher pitches than we do. Music for cats often uses higher-frequency notes, in the range of cat vocalizations or prey noises. A flute or high-pitched piano melody might be more noticeable to a cat than a deep bass line. In cat-specific compositions, the tones are often two octaves above middle C, which aligns with the natural pitch of cat meows or bird chirps that cats pay attention to.
- Heartbeats and Tempos: Human music usually aligns with the human heartbeat (a slow, steady beat). Cats have faster heart rates and did not develop in the womb hearing a mother’s heartbeat in the same way humans do (kittens develop mostly after birth). So instead of a slow drumbeat, cats seem to prefer tempos that match their own rhythm – roughly the pace of purring or quick nursing. One study noted that cats prefer music with a beat similar to their resting pulse rate. A resting cat’s heart might be around 120–140 beats per minute, so music with a tempo in that range, or rhythmically resembling a purr, can be more appealing to them than very slow beats.
- Nature Sounds and Certain Instruments: Beyond “cat-specific” music, many cats also respond to calm, gentle sounds in general. Classical music (like soft piano or violin pieces) is often reported to calm pets. In a small study of 12 cats that were undergoing surgery, researchers found the cats stayed most relaxed with classical music, less so with pop music, and they showed clear stress signs (higher heart rate and dilated pupils) when heavy metal music was played. So, cats seem to handle mellow music better than harsh, loud genres. Nature sounds – recordings of birds singing, rain falling, or ocean waves – might also catch a cat’s interest or help them relax. Some cats enjoy listening to birds chirping (perhaps thinking there’s a bird to watch), while others might find it frustrating if they cannot actually chase the bird. Generally, soft ambient sounds or “easy listening” tunes are more likely to soothe a cat than sudden, jarring noises.
It’s important to remember that each cat has its own personality. Just as humans have personal music preferences, cats can vary. Many cats will prefer quiet most of the time, especially when they are resting or hiding. A lively, loud song that one cat tolerates might make another cat run away. Pay attention to your own pet’s reactions. Their body language will tell you if they find a sound pleasant, interesting, or unpleasant.
A curious cat sits next to a piano while a family member plays gently. Some cats may show interest in music by staying nearby, especially if the music is calm. Others might simply relax as if it were normal background sound.
Music for Humans vs. Music for Cats: What’s the Difference?
Why don’t cats respond to our music the same way we do? The key lies in how different cat music is from human music. Music that pleases human ears is built on elements that match human biology and emotions. For example, human music often uses rhythms similar to a human heartbeat or walking pace, and uses frequencies within the human hearing range. Cats, on the other hand, have their own acoustic world. Here are the main differences between typical human music and music composed for cats:
- Pitch (Frequency Range): Humans enjoy music that falls within our hearing range (~20 Hz to 20 kHz). Cats have a much higher upper hearing limit (up to ~64 kHz). Much of our music’s melody might actually be too low-pitched to grab a cat’s attention. Cat-specific music shifts the pitch upward into a cat-friendly zone. It might include tones that are an octave or two higher than the human singing voice or higher than middle-range piano notes, because cats naturally communicate in that higher pitch. One researcher noted that getting the pitch right is vital: “Cats vocalize one octave higher than people, so it’s vital to get the pitch right” when creating music for them.
- Tempo and Rhythm: Humans often find a steady 60-70 beats per minute comforting (similar to a relaxed human heart rate). Cats have quicker pulses and also react to different natural rhythms. In cat music, composers like Teie replace the human heartbeat rhythm with rhythms a cat experienced early in life. For instance, the rhythm of nursing (a repetitive suckling sound) or the pattern of purring can act as the “drum beat” of a cat song. This makes the music feel familiar on a subconscious level to the cat. A cat’s purr has a certain vibration and timing that, when used musically, can be very soothing to them. On the flip side, very slow or very arrhythmic music might not hold a cat’s interest at all.
- Timbre and Sounds Used: Human music spans many instruments (guitars, drums, horns, etc.) that produce sounds we find pleasing. Cat music tends to use sounds that are part of a cat’s world, layered musically. For example, chimes or high piano notes might mimic bird chirps, attracting a cat’s hunting instincts in a mild way. String instruments like violins or cellos can glide in pitch, somewhat like a meow or a wail, which might sound more natural to a cat than a staccato trumpet. In fact, David Teie’s cat compositions often include cello sounds because he can blend them with purrs and bird-like chirps to create a feline-friendly mix. Regular human songs usually don’t include purring or other animal noises, so cat music is quite unique in that respect.
- Emotional Signals: Music for humans can convey a wide range of emotions – happiness, sadness, tension – through chord progressions and melodies. Cats probably don’t interpret these complex emotional cues in music. However, they do respond to simpler emotional signals that align with their own communication. For example, a sustained high-pitched note might be stimulating or alarming to a cat (if it reminds them of a distressed kitten or a squeaky prey). A warm, gentle humming sound might be calming (similar to a mother cat’s purr or gentle trill). Researchers found that certain features that convey emotion in human music – like changes in pitch and tempo – also can influence animals if tuned to the animals’ context. In the 2009 monkey music research, for instance, tamarin monkeys became anxious when they heard music modeled on agitated monkey calls, but relaxed when they heard music based on content, friendly calls. Likewise, cat-specific music aims to include sounds that signal “calm and happy” in feline terms, rather than the full drama found in human songs.
In summary, music made for cats takes the “recipe” of music and swaps in cat-friendly ingredients. It matches the frequency, tempo, and sounds to what cats instinctively respond to. This makes it more likely that a cat will acknowledge it as something familiar or soothing. Human music, unless it happens to be very gentle or contain noises a cat likes (like soft classical pieces or nature sounds), might not mean much to a feline listener. As one researcher explained about animals and human tunes: “They don’t hear it, and it’s not music to them.”
Why Are Some Cats Calmed by Music While Others Get Anxious?
Just as a song that relaxes one person might annoy another, cats can also react differently to music depending on the situation and the individual cat’s personality. There are several reasons why a particular cat might feel calm with certain music or become anxious and uncomfortable:
- Volume and Loudness: Cats have sensitive hearing, so loud music can easily overwhelm or startle them. A cat’s ears can detect sounds much quieter and at higher pitches than we can. If music is played too loudly, what might seem moderate to us could be painfully loud to a cat. This can cause stress or make the cat run for a hiding spot. Sudden loud noises in music (like a burst of drums or a high note) might scare cats even if the rest of the piece is soft. Keeping music at a low, comfortable volume is essential if you want your cat to remain calm. Many cats will be happy to stay in a room with quiet background music but will leave or hide if the volume creeps up.
- Type of Music: The genre or style of music matters. Gentle classical pieces, soft jazz, ambient or new-age music, and specially-made cat music are more likely to have a soothing effect. On the other hand, fast-paced rock or heavy metal can stress cats out. In one observation, heavy metal music caused cats to show signs of distress like increased heart rate and dilated pupils. The chaotic noise and loud percussion in such music probably frighten them. Even within classical music, not all compositions are equal – a frenzied, dramatic symphony might put a cat on edge, whereas a slow, calm piano sonata might lull them to sleep. If a cat becomes anxious when music is played, it may be reacting to discordant sounds or an energetic beat that it finds unpleasant.
- Previous Associations and Individual Temperament: Some cats might have had positive experiences with music (for example, their owner plays soft music every evening during cuddle time, so the cat associates it with a feeling of safety). Other cats might have negative associations (if loud music was present during a stressful event, like strangers in the house or thunderstorm noises on the TV). A cat’s personality also plays a big role. Bold, curious cats might stick around even when new sounds play, possibly showing interest. Shy or skittish cats could interpret any unfamiliar sound as a potential threat. Animal behaviorists emphasize that “all cats are different. They will each have their own preferences”. Thus, while one cat might lounge happily near a speaker, another might retreat under the bed from the same music. Always observe your cat’s body language: if the ears are back, tail flicking, or if the cat is hiding or trying to escape the room, these are signs the cat is anxious or does not like the music.
- Content of the Music (Cat Sounds vs. Strange Sounds): We discussed that cat-specific music often uses purrs and friendly cat sounds. However, if music (or any audio recording) contains unfamiliar cat noises, such as strange meows or aggressive yowls, a listening cat could get nervous. Cats are territorial; hearing what sounds like another cat could make them alert or uneasy. One expert noted that while purring in music is usually calming, some cats may find the sounds of other, unfamiliar cats stressful. It might give them the impression another cat is in their territory. Therefore, cat music composers use subtle cat sounds that convey comfort (like purrs) rather than active “language” that might signal intrusion or conflict.
- Context and Environment: The effect of music on a cat can depend on what else is happening. Music played in a calm environment, when a cat is already relaxed, can enhance the peaceful mood. The same music in a noisy, chaotic situation might not help much. For example, if there are fireworks booming outside or construction noise nearby, some soothing music could partially mask those scary sounds and help a cat stay calm. But if a cat is extremely frightened (hiding and panting), introducing music at that moment might not magically fix their anxiety – it could even add to the sensory overload. The timing of music matters: it’s best used as a preventive calming tool, not as an immediate cure for a panicking pet. Think of it like this – we might enjoy calm music to relax, but if we were very scared in the moment, we might need to first feel safe before noticing the gentle song in the background.
In summary, music can influence a cat’s mood, but whether it’s calming or upsetting depends on matching the music to the cat’s comfort level. Quiet, cat-friendly sounds played at the right time can make a cat feel at ease. In contrast, loud or inappropriate music (from the cat’s perspective) will either be ignored or actively disliked. Always tailor the musical environment to your individual cat, and when in doubt, opt for silence or very soft music because many cats are perfectly content with quiet.
Examples of Music Created Specifically for Cats
The idea of composing music for animals might sound unusual, but given the research success, a few musicians have taken up the challenge – especially for our feline friends. The most famous example is the work of David Teie, an American cellist and researcher who pioneered the field of species-specific music for animals. Teie’s project “Music for Cats” gained widespread attention around 2015. He composed and recorded an album of music just for cats, working with scientists like Charles Snowdon to base the music on feline communication cues. In the University of Wisconsin study, two of Teie’s compositions were used as the “cat songs,” and they indeed were the ones that cats preferred over human music.
What does cat-specific music sound like? Listeners describe it as oddly soothing even to human ears, though clearly different from normal songs. In some tracks, you might hear a rhythmic pulsing that mimics purrs along with higher pitched melodies that rise and fall gently (almost like bird chirps or meowing in a musical tone). One track title, “Scooter Bere’s Aria,” includes embedded purr sounds and a rhythm similar to nursing, as noted earlier. The New York Times, in describing Teie’s music, said that some tracks overlay chirping sounds with staccato rhythms for energy, while others use “crescendos of purring and suckling sounds” designed to relax. Essentially, it’s music that tries to tell a story in cat language – using the sounds cats find meaningful.
A few concrete examples of cat music pieces and projects include:
- “Music for Cats” Album by David Teie (2016): This was a crowdfunded album containing several compositions for cats. Each piece has a descriptive name, often referencing cats. It has been “scientifically proven to enrich the lives of cats,” according to its creators. Tracks from this album (such as Scooter Bere’s Aria and others) have been used in experiments and many cat owners have reported their pets seem calmed by them. You can find these on CD or online streaming platforms.
- YouTube and Streaming Playlists: Due to the popularity of the idea, there are now many cat music playlists available on platforms like YouTube, Spotify, and others. For example, there are YouTube videos titled “Relaxing Cat Music” that play hours of gentle sounds aimed at cats (often produced by channels specifically focusing on pet relaxation). These often feature mellow instrumentals, nature sounds, or synthetic purring noises. Some have millions of views, indicating many cat owners use them to help their cats sleep or to ease separation anxiety. RelaxMyCat is one popular channel that produces music and even binaural beats for cats, claiming to help with anxiety and sleep (though such claims are anecdotal). On Spotify, you can find playlists curated for cats with names like “Soothing Cat Music” or “Music for Cats to Relax,” typically containing soft classical and ambient tracks.
- Research Collaborations and Apps: Aside from Teie, others have dabbled in pet music. There have been apps developed that generate music for pets based on some parameters. For instance, one could imagine an app where you input your pet’s species and it plays a suitable playlist. In 2020, a well-known music streaming service (Spotify) even introduced a feature for pet owners to generate playlists “for your pet,” based on the pet’s personality. For cats, those playlists generally lean towards calm music or tunes with gentle flows. These fun experiments show a growing recognition that music can be an enrichment tool for animals.
It’s important to note that while these cat-specific tunes are designed with feline welfare in mind, not every cat will react obviously to them. Some cats might curl up and sleep (which we interpret as being calmed by the music), whereas others might simply go about their business unaffected. The absence of negative reaction (like running away or yowling) usually means the music is at least not bothering the cat and is likely providing a soothing background. If you try a cat music album or playlist, watch your cat: do they orient their ears toward the speaker? Do they approach and possibly rub their chin or body against the speaker (a sign of contentment or marking)? These could be signs that the music is appealing to them. Some cats might even purr along or meow, as if responding.
How Can Owners Use Music to Help Cats with Stress or Anxiety?
Many pet owners play music or leave the radio on when they leave home, hoping it comforts their animals. With cats, using music thoughtfully can indeed be beneficial, especially in stressful situations. For example, if you know a thunderstorm is coming, or it’s New Year’s Eve with fireworks, or you need to take your cat on a car ride or to the vet – these are scenarios where a calming soundtrack might ease your cat’s nerves. Here are some tips from experts on using music to help your cat:
- Choose the Right Music: Opt for calm, soothing sounds. Classical music, soft instrumental pieces, or dedicated cat-relaxation music are good choices. Nature soundtracks (like gentle rain or forest sounds with birds) can also be relaxing. Avoid music that is loud or has sudden explosive noises. If you are using cat-specific tracks (with purring and such), those can be ideal for relaxation and have research backing. The key is that the music should create a serene atmosphere, not excite or scare the cat.
- Keep Volume Low: Always play the music at a low volume that you know your cat is comfortable with. Cats’ ears are more sensitive than ours. What seems soft to you might still be loud to them. A good rule is to start with volume barely audible and see how the cat reacts, then increase slightly if needed. The music should be background sound, not the focus of the whole house. If you see your cat’s ears rotating back or them leaving the room, the volume might be too high or the frequencies uncomfortable.
- Introduce Music Gradually: If your cat has never listened to music intentionally, introduce it slowly. Play it for short periods while your cat is in a good mood – perhaps while they’re lounging in a favorite spot. Watch their reaction. Do not force a stressed cat to listen to music; if your cat is already hiding or anxious (due to fireworks, for example), abruptly adding music could further stress them. It’s better to acclimate them to certain calming music beforehand, so that when a stressful event comes, that music is a familiar and soothing cue. One cat behaviorist suggests ensuring the cat is happy and relaxed before starting the music, otherwise it may not have a calming effect.
- Provide an Escape Option: Even with pleasant music playing, your cat should have the freedom to move away if they want quiet. Always give your cat access to a quiet room or a hiding spot where the music is muffled. This could be an open door to another room or a cozy hideout (like a blanket-filled box or a closet crack) where they feel safe. Cats relax when they know they have control over their environment. So if the music doesn’t suit them at that moment, they can self-soothe elsewhere. Having a safe hiding place is a known way to reduce stress in cats. You can play music in one area of the house and leave another area silent as a comparison – your cat will show you where they prefer to be.
- Watch Your Cat’s Body Language: While music is playing, observe how your cat behaves. Do they stretch out, lie on their side or back (a sign of feeling safe), slowly blink, or knead their paws? These are positive signs, indicating the cat is relaxed and possibly enjoying the ambiance. On the other hand, if the cat’s pupils are enlarged (in normal lighting), ears are pinned back, tail is twitching a lot, or the cat leaves the room, these are signs of discomfort or stress. If at any point your cat appears startled or shows signs of stress, turn the volume down or turn the music off. The goal is to help the cat, so their reaction should guide your choices. Every so often, cats may simply ignore the music entirely – which is fine. If they are indifferent, at least the music isn’t causing harm, and it may still be subtly keeping them calm by masking harsher noises.
Using music as part of your cat care toolkit can be very rewarding. Some cat owners report that their pets seek out the room where calming music is playing, almost like they know it’s their “relaxation station.” Shelters and veterinary clinics have also started to use music in waiting areas or recovery rooms to reduce feline stress. The 2019 study we discussed concluded that playing cat-specific music could improve veterinary exams by making cats less anxious, which in turn helps vets do their job more effectively. At home, you might find that soft music during a stressful time (like during a loud party or when the cat is alone) can prevent common stress behaviors – such as hiding for hours, aggression, or inappropriate spraying due to anxiety. It’s certainly not a guaranteed cure for all cats, but given the low risk, it’s a gentle method worth trying.
Conclusion Do Cats Enjoy Music?
Cats may not tap their paws to the beat or “sing along” like humans do, but they are far from tone-deaf to the world of music. The question “Do cats enjoy music?” does not have a simple yes or no answer. Instead, it comes down to what kind of music, and whether it speaks to the feline sense and sensibilities. Research and expert observations suggest that cats can and do enjoy certain types of music – specifically, music that is tailored to their acoustic and emotional world. From the studies showing cats prefer species-specific compositions, to the evidence that a well-chosen melody can ease a cat’s stress, it’s clear that music holds promise as a form of enrichment and comfort for cats.
If you’re a cat owner, you might consider experimenting with music for your pet. Keep it simple: try some gentle classical pieces or a dedicated “cat music” track at a low volume when your cat is in a relaxed mood, and see how they respond. Remember that cats have individual tastes and thresholds. Some will love the new sounds and find it soothing, while others may prefer their beloved silence – and that’s okay too. The goal is to understand your own cat’s preferences. With patience and observation, you can find out if your cat has any musical preferences, be it a fondness for Bach violin sonatas or a purring lullaby composed just for felines.
In the end, whether or not a cat “enjoys” music might be reflected in subtle behaviors: a slow blink, a gentle purr, or simply the absence of stress signals. By using what we’ve learned from science and expert advice, we can curate soundscapes that are more kitty-friendly. Music for cats is a wonderful example of meeting our pets halfway – bridging our human love for music with the needs of our animal companions. It’s an evolving field, but one thing is certain: when music is used thoughtfully, it can enrich a cat’s environment and perhaps even strike a chord in their little furry hearts.